The maritime economy in the Baltic Sea region is a topic of central importance, but it does not come without its share of environmental challenges. This vast body of water, located in the heart of Northern Europe, has long been a strategic crossroads for international trade, fishing, industry and transport. However, this intense economic activity is generating growing concerns about environmental degradation.
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Here is a small, non-exhaustive overview of the maritime activities of each of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea.
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Germany is capitalizing on its coastline along the Baltic Sea to develop thriving maritime activities. Beach tourism plays a crucial role, with popular beaches and resorts attracting vacationers seeking seaside relaxation. Additionally, Germany is home to a thriving coastal chemical industry, contributing to the economy through production and export of industrial chemicals.
Germany also stands out for its efforts in marine research and environmental monitoring, studying the marine ecosystem of the Baltic Sea and establishing monitoring systems to preserve water quality and biodiversity.
Regarding nature conservation activities, Germany is committed to protecting marine protected areas and coastal ecosystems by establishing reserves and national parks, thereby contributing to the conservation of the unique flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea.
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Denmark is positioning itself as a world leader in maritime technologies, particularly in shipbuilding and port automation. The country also excels in offshore wind energy, with wind farms in the Baltic Sea providing clean electricity not only to Denmark, but also to its neighbors.
Denmark is also involved in offshore engineering, actively participating in the construction and installation of offshore wind farms. The country plays a leading role in the development and innovation of marine renewable energy.
As a coastal country, Denmark regularly hosts sailing competitions and other water sports in its waters, attracting participants and spectators from all over the world.

Sweden, with its rich maritime tradition, is distinguished by several key maritime activities. The country is a major player in maritime transport, with ports serving as essential gateways for international trade. Sweden is also a leader in maritime technologies, including shipbuilding focused on the development of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ships. This shipbuilding expertise includes the design of more environmentally friendly fishing boats and low-emission cargo ships.
Additionally, Sweden actively engages in marine research, focusing on the study of marine ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change in the Baltic Sea. This research contributes to a better understanding of environmental issues and the preservation of marine resources.
When it comes to environmental protection, Sweden is implementing strict measures to reduce pollution in the Baltic Sea, promote the sustainability of marine resources and preserve coastal ecosystems, demonstrating its commitment to marine conservation.
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Finland excels in shipbuilding, home to shipyards such as Meyer Turku, which build cruise ships for renowned well-known companies. These cruise ships are renowned for their quality and innovative design. Additionally, Finland stands out in fisheries, exploiting the marine resources of the Baltic Sea to provide high-quality seafood products to international markets.
Regarding the protection of the marine environment, Finland is taking significant steps to reduce pollution in the Baltic Sea, improve water quality and preserve marine ecosystems. These efforts help maintain an ecological balance in the region.
Finland also offers plenty of opportunities for recreational and water activities, thanks to its thousands of lakes and beautiful coastline, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and tourists seeking maritime adventures.
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Russia is a major offshore oil and gas producer, with extraction platforms located in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, Russia has shipyards that build ships, including military ships vessels.
Russia is also carrying out research and exploration to identify and exploit other marine resources in the Baltic Sea, such as minerals and construction materials.
When it comes to maritime education, Russia is recognized for its maritime education and training institutions, thereby producing competent sailors, engineers and specialists for the maritime industry.
Russian military activities in the Baltic Sea include naval exercises, air patrols, surveillance operations and warship deployments. These activities are often seen as displays of power and are sometimes criticized for their proximity to the territorial waters of the Baltic states and other NATO members.
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Estonia stands out for its expertise in maritime technologies, particularly in navigation systems and maritime surveillance. The country has a major port in Tallinn, which facilitates trade and transport of goods. Maritime tourism is also growing along the Estonian coast, with offers of cruises and water activities.
Regarding marine environmental research and monitoring, Estonia conducts studies on water quality, marine ecosystems and climate change impacts in the Baltic Sea.
Estonian beaches and islands offer many opportunities for coastal leisure activities, including swimming, sailing, recreational fishing and bird watching, attracting nature lovers and maritime adventure seekers.
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Latvia benefits from its main port, Riga, which plays a central role in regional trade by facilitating the import and export of goods. The country also has a strong fishing and seafood processing industry, which contributes to the local economy and enables export to other countries.
Regarding maritime education, Latvia offers maritime education and training programs to produce producing competent specialists in the fields of navigation, maritime safety and marine resource management.
Latvia is also involved in ecosystem preservation projects, creating reserves and national parks to preserve the marine flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea.
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Lithuania counts on the port of Klaipeda, an important access point to Baltic Sea markets, facilitating international trade and transport of goods. The country is also turning to offshore wind energy, building wind farms to meet its energy needs and generate additional revenue.
​In addition to the port of Klaipeda and offshore wind energy, Lithuania is also active in shipbuilding, having shipyards that build and repair boats and ships of various sizes.
Lithuania offers maritime education programs to train future sailors and maritime industry professionals. Additionally, the country participates in projects aimed at preserving marine flora and fauna, restoring coastal habitats and promoting the sustainability of marine resources.
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Poland plays a vital role in maritime transport thanks to its strategic ports such as Gdansk, Gdynia and Szczecin. These ports serve as major hubs for international trade, facilitating the import and export of goods. Meanwhile, Poland's Baltic Sea coast is a popular tourist destination, with thriving seaside resorts contributing to the coastal tourism sector.
In addition to these activities, Poland is also developing aquaculture in the Baltic Sea, raising fish and seafood such as mussels and oysters. This practice supports the region’s seafood supply.
Poland showcases its maritime heritage by preserving old ships, lighthouses and historic sites along its coast, providing history and maritime heritage enthusiasts with an enriching experience.